Installing a Smart Ceiling Fan

Did you know there is such a thing as a smart ceiling fan? I know I’m only 41 years old . . . but I just recently learned about smart ceiling fans. By “smart” I don’t mean your ceiling fan solves crossword puzzles or is good at trivia. A smart ceiling fan can be controlled by your smart devices so that you can operate it from anywhere! It’s part of the evolution of the smart home trend that’s happening, and I love it. That’s why when I had the opportunity to install the Hunter Signal smart home ceiling fan, I was all in!

I have always loved the look of Hunter Fan Company products (they have so many great styles) and this time is no different. Hunter has really outdone themselves with their SIMPLEconnect™ Wi-Fi® Collection of smart home ceiling fans. Not only is there an integrated remote that you can use, but you can also integrate your ceiling fan with home automation applications including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple® HomeKit™. We actually have an Alexa Echo so it’s perfect. I can hook my fan up and then tell my Echo to turn it off or on . . speed up or down or dim the light. . . no flipping switches required!

First I’ll tell you about the installation of the fan. It’s really easy.

Installing Our Smart Ceiling Fan

Gather These Tools

Ladder

Pliers

Wire strippers

Screwdrivers

Drill and 9/64″ drill bit (if you are mounting to a support structure)

The interesting hurdle that we thought we’d have to jump over (but didn’t end up having to) is that our ceiling is sloped at a 45º angle. We assumed we’d need an Angled Mounting Kit, but we didn’t. However we DID need a longer downrod . . . while your ceiling fan comes with a small downrod, a sloped ceiling typically needs a longer one so that you can bring the ceiling fan far enough away from the ceiling so the blades don’t hit! Plus when you have a slanted ceiling, you want the fan to come down further not just for looks but for functionality. A 24″ downrod was perfect for our ceiling!

In terms of installation, the process is pretty easy. You’ll want to turn off the circut breaker so that there is no electricity running to the light or fan that you are replacing. For us, we had a light that we wanted to move, and put a ceiling fan in its place. We removed the light and cut the wires. Those wires will be used to power the fan.

If you are installing a downrod, remove the pre-installed setscrew. You’ll want to install the downrod on the top of the fan (just screw it in) and leave the wires at least 8″ extending from the top. After that you’ll complete the wiring, which required us to attach three wires together and then use wire connectors. Then you install the blades and light and hang! The Hunter Fan Company manuals are great at guiding you through the process. It’s not difficult, even for a novice handyman or woman.

Here’s how the fan looks in our master bedroom! I’ve always been a fan of the Hunter WhisperWind® motor. I can see the fan and it’s got awesome cooling power – but I don’t hear it! The LED light that comes with it is great because I’m never going to have to replace bulbs. Then the Cased White glass looks so pretty when lit. It’s a perfect fit for our room!

You can hook your fan up and do things like turn the fan on and off, program it for various days and speeds, set a sleep timer, turn on a dim the lights . . . all from your smartphone. It’s kind of amazing! Sync it up with all your devices and your smart ceiling fan is ready to roll!

Note: you can also set this fan up to work with your smart thermostat, door locks, lightbulbs, window shades, and more. I’m seriously shocked and amazed at everything this fan can do. It’s genius!

If you’re in the market for a smart ceiling fan, I REALLY love the Hunter Fan Company simpleconnect ceiling fans. I’d love to give Hunter constructive criticism about installing these fans or the operation or smart home connection – but I just can’t. It installed in 15 minutes, operates perfectly, connects to our devices, and looks great. I’m thrilled.

Disclosure: Hunter Fan Company provided me product for this post in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100% mine – I would never recommend something I wouldn’t use personally!

Comments

This is one gorgeous ceiling fan! I love it. We really enjoy ‘smart’ features within our home, being able to control things from our phones is so convenient. Because let’s face it, I almost always have my phone on me but I typically can’t find the remote, or don’t want to get out of bed to flip a switch 🙂